​Today the South African Police Service (SAPS), supported by City law enforcement agencies, started to remove 52 illegally erected and unoccupied structures in Imizamo Yethu in accordance with an interdict and as per the agreement reached with the community leadership on Monday evening, 10 July 2017. This is to enable progress with regard to the super-blocking project, and the associated installation of services for the fire-affected beneficiaries.
 
Unfortunately, a small group of residents in Imizamo Yethu, who are being led by one of the leaders who SAPS is investigating and who the City has an interdict against, are against the interdict being enforced. This small group has once again derailed progress by inciting violent action and spreading malicious rumours among community members, causing tensions to flare up.

The City received reports that two community leaders' houses were vandalised and burnt. These are the houses of leaders who are committed to working with the City to see the super-blocking proceed and we thank them for demonstrating true leadership in helping us to realise progress in Imizamo Yethu.

We condemn the rumours and violence being incited by a small group as it goes against the spirit of the negotiated process with the majority of the community leadership who want to work with the City.

Inaccurate and grossly misleading reports have again been spread in the community that people will be moved out of Imizamo Yethu. This is not the case. The City wants to again assure people that they will not be moved from Imizamo Yethu.

SAPS and all the City's law enforcement agencies are on site and will be present in Imizamo Yethu throughout the night to try to de-escalate violence in the area and restore calm.

The City is committed to working with the leaders in the community who want to see progress.

These violent, selfish actions of a few are causing painful delays. There can be no justification for the destructive actions of a few.

We have met with community leaders again tonight to find a way to move on with the project. They remain resolute in their commitment to working with the City. 

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